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26 September 2022 | Story André Damons | Photo Jack once productions
The three directors of Epicutis Skincare
All smiles. The three directors of Epicutis Skincare; Dr Maanda Tshikororo, Chief Marketing Officer; Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, Chief Executive officer and primary formulation scientist; and Mrs Mantwa Makhakhe, Chief Operating Officer, showing of some of their new skincare products

A senior lecturer and specialist in the Department of Dermatology at the University of the Free State (UFS) and his two associates, who are also postgraduate students at the university, have realised their dream when they launch their skincare company next month.
 

Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, a full-time medical specialist (dermatologist), Dr Maanda Tshikororo, a medical doctor and a postgraduate student in the Department of Psychiatry, and Mrs Mantwa Makhakhe, who holds a BCom Economics degree and is currently completing her postgraduate diploma in financial planning, are the directors of Epicutis Skincare. Dr Makhakhe, who is also a PhD candidate registered with UFS, is the Chief Executive Officer and primary formulation scientist for the company, while Dr Tshikororo is the Chief Marketing Officer and Mrs Makhakhe the Chief Operating Officer.

The company is launching on 22 October 2022.

Narrowing the gap between treating skin ailments and manufacturing skincare products

According to Dr Makhakhe, who published the very first comprehensive African atlas on skin diseases commonly seen in the African setting,The African Atlas, synopsis and practical guide to clinical dermatology, says Epicutis is a company which will produce a range of personal skincare products. The range will comprise of products such as body lotions, body creams, petroleum jelly and a night cream. Since becoming a dermatologist, he has always wished to narrow the gap between being a clinician treating skin ailments and being involved in manufacturing skincare products.

“Creating products as a dermatologist has great benefits, because the products are created from a clinician’s perspective, with more intentional results. All ingredients used were carefully selected for their specific and scientifically proven benefits, they were then tested for stability in terms of viscosity, pH, microbiology in association with the South African Institute of Dermatology and other third parties,” says Dr Makhakhe. 

Ecstatic about the upcoming launch

Dr Tshikororo says this has been an adventure they have always thought of undertaking. “We finally reached a point of shifting from the comfort of dreaming about it, to taking action.” 

“We hope our company will play a notable role in creating permanent employment for the youth, and also have an impact on the growth of the economy of the Free State province and that of the country as well,” says Mrs Makhakhe. 
The three directors are ecstatic about the upcoming launch of their products, and optimistic that there is enough room for new, affordable, locally manufactured skincare products that are suitable for all family members.  

All products will be available at major retailers soon after the launch. Further information is available at the official website

News Archive

Meet our Council Members: Derek Foster, ethical and responsible leadership role model
2016-05-18

Description: 2016 05 18 Derek Foster Tags: 2016 05 18 Derek FosterMr Derek Foster
Photo: Stephen Collett

Derek Foster was elected to the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) in October 2012. He was the first Chartered Accountant (South Africa) to be appointed to Council because of the role he could play through his training, background, and experience. In particular, it was his knowledge of corporate governance, ethics, and reporting that led to his serving currently on the Audit and Risk Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Investment Committee of Council.

This Kovsie alumnus qualified as chartered accountant at the UFS in 1978. During his student years, he played rugby for Oud-Studente, and served in the Evening Student Representative Council.

Until December 2010, Derek was a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers, which he joined in 1972 as a rookie when the company was still known as Meyer, Nel and Co. Nowadays, he is a business consultant and company director, serving on the boards of NWK Limited, Cancer Association of South Africa (national), and Samba Cooperative Limited.

His background and knowledge of auditing shine through strongly when it comes to the manner in which he sees his role as Council member. “The contribution which I can make to the Council of the university is to ensure that management executes strategy and policy appropriately, as formulated and approved by Council, in the best interest of the university community. Of course, this should be done in an ethical, sustainable manner, taking into account the risk environment we find ourselves in. We need to provide ethical leadership, and ensure that the UFS is a responsible corporate institution,” he says.

Work obligations are keeping him very busy, but his four grandsons are equally high on his priority list. He met his wife, Sally, at Kovsies, another reason why the university is close to his heart. “Everything I do, I want to do with enthusiasm and passion, and I want to make a difference wherever I go. I would also like to be a good grandfather, and set a memorable example to my grandchildren,” he says.

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